Help me clean up an abused Springfield 1903

[Sharpdogs]

My soon to be brother in-law lent me his grandfathers Springfield 1903 from WWII. Unfortunately for him my sister in-law hates guns so he hid it in the basement. When he showed it to me it had some pitting and rust and the bolt was a little stiff. I offered to clean it up for him. To make matters worse my sister in-law won't allow the rifle back in the house unless the barrell is plugged with cement. I think I may be able to buy it off him since he needs the money for the wedding and does not want to see the rifle destroyed. My questions are: What's the best way to clean the rifle, what's a fair value for the rifle, any thing I need to know about the 1903? Please note any expenses acrued for the repair or purchase of the rifle will come out of the money put aside for my sister in-laws wedding present .

 

[hoghunting]

The best cleaner I have used to remove rust is Blue Wonder Gun Cleaner. It does an excellent job without removing bluing.

 

[monsternav]

Can you post any pictures? One persons "some pitting" is anothers "It's a wall hanger".

www.surplusrifle.com

has info on disassembly, and the forum is full of nice, helpful people that specialize in old guns.

Aside from rust, I just use a plastic brush and CLP to clean.

If the rifle is WWII issue, you probably don't have any worries. Early 03's (not 03A3's) had a heat treatment problem.
Non-shooter:
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.asp?Item=49694061

Who made it, what type (03, 03A3, 03A4) and a serial are good info to have for a starting point for value.

 

[DougW]

You have already taken the first step by getting it out of hostile territory!

0000 steel wool and a light machine oil for the exterior of the steel, BLO, Murphy's Oil Soap for the wood, Hoppe's and anything else you can think of for the bore, and a little elbow grease and a lot of praying! And, what monsternav said.

 

[OCJ]

He needs to find a new wife I'm glad the rifle is getting a new home with someone who will take care of it though.

 

[648E]

Plug Grandpa's 03 barrel with cement? You've got to be kidding me.

Please find this man a decent woman!

 

[buttrap]

Thats grounds for divorce in my book.